TN Guv storms Out of the House over anthem row

Tamil Nadu governor RN Ravi on Monday walked out of the Tamil Nadu assembly without reading his customary address for the second consecutive year, opposing what he described as disrespect to the national anthem and triggering a political controversy.

- Divya Chandrababu

CHENNAI: Ravi walked out roughly three minutes after the House convened for the first time this year at 9:30am.

Raj Bhavan said that his request to play the national anthem at the beginning of proceedings was refused so he left in "deep anguish". But chief minister MK Stalin and the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) said that the state anthem-Tamil Thaai Vazhthu-was always played at the beginning of House proceedings and the national anthem at the end.

"The Constitution of Bharat and the national anthem were once again insulted in the Tamil Nadu assembly today...It is a matter of grave concern. Not to be a party to such brazen disrespect to the Constitution and the national anthem, governor in deep anguish left the House," the Raj Bhavan said on X.

Stalin described the governor's action as "childish".

"The governor's actions are continuously insulting the people of Tamil Nadu, the government elected by them, and the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly, which are unbecoming of the position he holds," the chief minister said on X.